Local veterans and their families have an opportunity this week to get one-on-one help navigating federal and state benefits — at no cost.
Rickie Hammond, a Veterans Benefits Field Representative, will be available Monday through Thursday at the Boyd County Senior Citizens Building in Catlettsburg, meeting with veterans and their dependents by appointment only.
During these scheduled visits, veterans can receive personalized assistance with filing claims and applications for a wide range of federal and state veterans’ benefits. That includes help making sure paperwork is complete, accurate, and submitted properly — something that can make a big difference in how smoothly the process moves forward.
The service is provided free of charge through the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, and officials say it’s designed to make sure veterans and their families receive every benefit they’ve earned through their service.
Those planning to apply are asked to bring along copies of any pertinent documentation needed to verify eligibility, such as discharge papers or other supporting records.
Again, appointments are required. To schedule a time to meet with Rickie Hammond, veterans are encouraged to call 606-585-3833 and speak directly with their Veterans Benefits Field Representative.
It’s another local resource aimed at making sure our veterans — and the families who support them — don’t have to navigate the benefits system alone.
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The scholarship season is now underway for students in the Grayson Rural Electric Cooperative service area.
Applications are open for the 2026 Grayson RECC Scholarship Program, offering local students the opportunity to earn financial assistance toward their college or training costs. Grayson RECC will award ten scholarships of one thousand dollars each, and students are encouraged to apply by March 6th, 2026.
To be eligible, applicants must be a high school senior or a non-traditional student, planning to enroll in or already enrolled in an accredited college, university, technical school, or job-training program of their choice. Entrants must also live on Grayson RECC lines, or be the dependent of a member whose account is located within the cooperative’s service area.
In addition to filling out the application, students are required to submit an essay of 250–500 words, describing an example of leadership and community contribution and how they hope to make a difference in the future. Applications also include lists of honors, activities, and achievements, as well as official transcripts.
Scholarship funds are paid directly to the educational institution once proof of enrollment has been provided, and awards will be applied toward the upcoming fall semester.
For more information and to apply, visit graysonrecc.com/scholarship-program or contact the cooperative office in Grayson.
Again, the deadline to apply for a 2026 Grayson RECC Scholarship is Friday, March 6th — so students and families are encouraged to begin the process soon.
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The Carter County Clean-Up Campaign has been canceled for this week due to the recent winter weather and ongoing road conditions across the county.
Officials who oversee the Clean-Up say the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, with safety for both residents and clean-up crews remaining the top priority.
The good news is the clean-up will return to the West End of Carter County beginning Wednesday, February 11th through Friday, February 13th. Dumpsters will once again be available at the county maintenance garage along US 60, with personnel on site to assist with unloading each day from 8:00 AM until 2:30 PM.
The Carter County Clean-Up operates on a rotating schedule between the East and West ends of the county and is made possible through the continued efforts of the Carter County Solid Waste Department, helping keep local communities clean, safe, and looking their best.
Again, this week’s County Clean-Up has been canceled due to weather, with dumpsters returning to the West End on US 60.